LV Coburn was born near Saltillo, TX on May 7, 1913. He relocated to Arkansas where he met and married Odessa Corbell on April 9, 1932.

On September 1, 1937, I was born and three years later, on September 18, 1940, My sister, Dolores, was born. Daddy nicknamed me "Ms. Matilda" and Dolores as "Little Bit." I have vague memories of my father at age three, one of which I rode a tricycle across the street and he was not happy when he came to rescue me. My sister was too young to have any memories.

Daddy volunteered for service in the Army on May 6, 1942. My mom, sister, and I lived with her parents. It was there the first telegram was received that he was MIA. Later, at the end of the N. African Campaign in Tunisia another telegram was received declaring him KIA.

For many years there was no mention of our dad. We grew up in the age of the "Wall of Silence."

We knew he was killed in the war but we didn't know much about our dad and those types of questions were just not asked.

After raising children of my own, I wanted to tell my children about their hero grandfather, but I really had no personal stories to tell of how it was to have a daddy.

A few years ago I asked my aunt about my dad and she shared a story or two about my handsome dad. I have always wondered what traits my sister and I inherited from him and have been passed on to my children.

I am grateful to have letters and memorabilia regarding my dad to pass on to my family in the future so that he can be remembered as "our" hero.

In 2003, my husband, John, discovered the AWON Website on the internet. He encouraged me to join and what a great difference this has made in my life. I have learned I am not alone in my quest to know of my dad and am joined by hundreds of WWII Orphans on the same journey. Through the encouragement of AWON I have attended a 9th Division Reunion where I met other AWON members and most importantly a man who knew and remembered my dad.

The things I do have and know about my dad would probably be taken for granted by those who grew up knowing their dad, but to AWON members each thing we learn about our dads is most important and treasured in our hearts.

I yearn to one day visit my dad's resting place in the United States Military Cemetery at Carthage, Tunisia. He was a great hero and served our country honorably so that we may have freedom.

Daddy I will never forget you and will always miss you.